Foundations Project: A Collaboration Between SAH and the UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara to Preserve At-Risk 35mm Slide Collections

FAIN: PW-269319-20

Society of Architectural Historians (NFP) (Chicago, IL 60610-2144)
Pauline A. Saliga (Project Director: July 2019 to present)

A survey of at-risk 35mm slide collections of the built environment in the United States and abroad created from the 1960s to the mid-1990s held by members and partner institutions of the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH), along with a pilot project to create a consortium of institutions that would house the digitized and physical collections; develop guidelines for prioritizing digitization, long-term storage and disposal; and create a framework for using fellowships and internships to assist with digitizing the slides and creating finding aids.

This project's first goal is the identification of at-risk 35mm slide collections focused on the built environment. Previous investigation through the SAH has recognized the levels of risk and identified measures to preserve material of high significance.  The second goal is ensuring the documentation, processing, and ultimate widespread sharing of these assets in recognition of their positive impact on the Humanities.

Associated Products

Inter-Agency Collaboration: Piloting a Visual Resources Consortium to Meet Society of Architectural Historians Preservation Goals through an NEH Grant-Funded Project (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Inter-Agency Collaboration: Piloting a Visual Resources Consortium to Meet Society of Architectural Historians Preservation Goals through an NEH Grant-Funded Project
Author: Sonja-Sekely-Rowland
Author: Jackie Spafford
Abstract: Mission Statement of the Color Film Emergency Project (excerpt) • This project emerged from the realization that numerous, valuable 35mm slide collections created and amassed by 20th century scholars, preservationists, design practitioners and photographers of the built environment are threatened with loss, destruction, and environmental damage. Some of the factors threatening these collections are the obsolescence of the medium for teaching; the advancing age, and retirement, of the creators; and lack of appropriate archival storage. The SAH, through the Color Film Emergency Project, recognizes the importance of this part of 20th century intellectual history and documentation, and aims to facilitate its preservation, digitization, and access. With NEH funding, staff at UC Riverside and UC Santa Barbara are collaborating to achieve the following two foundational goals: 1. Identification and evaluation of at-risk 35mm slide collections of SAH members. 2. Development of a consortium of institutional partners to improve preservation goals.
Date: 05/12/2021
Conference Name: Art Librarians Society of North American Annual Conference

Collaboration and Outreach: Building Innovative Projects (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Collaboration and Outreach: Building Innovative Projects
Author: Jackie Spafford
Author: Sonja Sekely-Rowland
Abstract: This paper focuses on inter-agency collaboration in a collection building project. It brings together the goals of the Visual Resources Association and Society of Architectural Historians to preserve at-risk analog image collections, such as 35mm slides, through an NEH grant-funded project. This paper is a tutorial on how to identify a problem, research solutions, gather feedback from peers, and develop a proof of concept that can be submitted to NEH or other funders to realize the project. It requires collaboration and some expertise with grant writing. This presentation provides guidance.
Date: 03/25/2021
Conference Name: Visual Resources Association Annual Conference

NEH/SAH Color Film Emergency Project November 2020 Follow Up Survey (Report)
Title: NEH/SAH Color Film Emergency Project November 2020 Follow Up Survey
Author: Sonja Sekely-Rowland
Author: Jackie Spafford
Abstract: The main objective of this survey/study is to improve the likelihood that at-risk slide collections of the built environment amassed by members of the Society of Architectural Historians are materially preserved for the benefit of future research and study.
Date: 11/01/2020

NEH/SAH Preservation Consortium Survey (Report)
Title: NEH/SAH Preservation Consortium Survey
Author: Sonja Sekely-Rowland
Author: Jackie Spafford
Abstract: The NEH-SAH Preservation Consortium Survey is an extension of the Color Film Emergency Project (CFEP) developed in 2013 with the Society of Architectural Historians. The present aims of this project are: (1) identification and evaluation of at-risk 35 mm slide collections, and (2) development of a consortium of institutional partners. This survey is the first step in developing this consortium.
Date: 11/01/2020

Society of Architectural Historians 35mm Slide Collection Assessment Rubric (Report)
Title: Society of Architectural Historians 35mm Slide Collection Assessment Rubric
Author: Jackie Spafford
Author: Sonja Sekely-Rowland
Abstract: This is a collection assessment rubric that will help determine the condition and importance of the collection by collecting the following categories of information: Section A: Institutional Affiliations: Potential Consortia Partnershps Section B: Formal Considerations (size, condition, material types) Section C: Processing Considerations (donor restrictions, IP issues) Section D: Physical Risk Assessment Section E: Donor Goals Section F: Extraordinary Comments/Concerns
Date: 10-1-2020
Access Model: open access

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